New Technology for Recycling Space Debris and Using It to Irrigate Plants

Russian scientists have developed a new system for managing solid waste in space, aimed at recycling and reusing it within closed life-support systems, thereby helping to reduce the accumulation of waste during long-duration spaceflights and future missions beyond Earth orbit.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), citing the “Russian Science” portal, reported that Russian Academician Vyacheslav Ilyin, head of the Department of Human Health and Epidemiological Safety in the Artificial Environment at the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, announced the development of the new system as part of the “Bioeconomy” project.

Ilyin explained that astronauts currently use single-use personal hygiene products, such as wipes and towels. These wastes are collected and transported by Progress cargo spacecraft, which later detach from the International Space Station and burn up in the atmosphere along with their cargo.

He noted that this method is suitable for missions in Earth orbit but is not viable for interplanetary missions, where periodic cargo vehicles for waste disposal will not be available, potentially leading to waste accumulation inside spacecraft.

He added that the technology has undergone tests during spaceflights aboard the Bion biological satellites, providing a foundation for its continued development and testing under conditions simulating the requirements of long-term space missions.